Life with children is colourful.
I’m not yet a parent but am a teacher and am close to many families with children. They have a refreshing perspective on the world, love to explore and so many adults need child-friendly places to bring their families to visit where they feel safe, are entertained, have food nearby and engaging activities that allow the kids to release some pent up energy.
Many parents, grandparents and extended relations might also need somewhere calming to relax after a long week. Below, you will find a variety of activities to suit those requirements when exploring Durban.
Botanical Gardens and Cafe
Africa’s oldest running Botanical Gardens is favorite for children who can play freely on the lawns, picnic-goers hosting teas and parties, book enthusiasts who need a ‘reading corner’ beneath the trees, bridal parties looking for a natural photo backdrop and seniors needing a quiet space to take dogs for a stroll.
The tea room (cafe) is run voluntarily by church groups and is best known for their pot of tea with a scone, jam and cream (mom’ fav), syrupy crumpets and milkshakes (gran’s) and toasted sandwiches (mine).
For more information on the history and heritage, eduction and collections found within as well as research protects and upcoming events, click here.
Mini Town, located in front of Battery Beach
114 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban houses miniature replicas of Durban City’s iconic tourist attractions. Feeling like a giant invading the city, a new perspective (aerial view) of Durban can be enjoyed for a small fee of R15 an adult and R10 for kids 12 and younger.
For more information please visit the official website here.
People’s Park at the Moses Mabhida Stadium
Marble-Smooth skating slopes for cyclists and skaters, a jungle gym to delight young kids, stairs and a loop around the soccer field for fitties/walkers, People’s Park is the place to be. The trendy Cafe on site is open from 7am to 5pm daily for parent’s who need break whilst still have their kids in view.
Mitchell Park Zoo and the Blue cafe
The oldest cafe in Durban, established in 1914
At the top of Florida road, 10 Ferndale road, in the suburb of Morningside, is a green sanctuary that has been open since the early 1900s. It is still popular to this day - once you pay a visit you will see why!
Over the years I have had many delightful picnic/braai experiences under the canopy of trees in the park, taken school children to play in the sand-filled playground equipped with swings, slides and climbing frames and bounced into the Blue Zoo with friends whilst mom and dad finish up their meals at the Blue Cafe (Durban’s oldest restaurant).
R8 an adult, R5 for children and R2 for pensioners gets you into the zoo, which boasts a range of furry, feathery and scaly friends. The oldest being Admiral (the resident tortoise) who has called the Blue Zoo home since 1915 (wow).
Pack a picnic basket and charge up your phone - you’ll want to catch the delight on the faces of young and old who accompany you.
Jameson Rose Gardens for the Dog Owners
Up the road, a stone’s throw away from Mitchell Park bloom the roses. Finally, a space safe for dogs to play, the park is free to enter and open daily.
Once a pineapple plantation, now home to 600 hundred rose bushes and up to 200 species. Visit in Durban Spring (Sept, Nov) for the most colorful and fragrant experience.
uShaka Marine World
Wet 'n Wild Waterpark and the aquarium
Family time, especially with children revolve around fun and food. Wet ’n Wild Waterpark is a quickly crowded favorite day trip for kids who always want to be in the water (that was me growing up). There is a beautiful aquarium designed in a sunken ship that is a treat for everyone as well as a plethora of cafes, restaurants, curios and stores throughout the mall.
The more adventurous families can go snorkeling in the tanks or divulge in something more daring such as a shark cage dive. If that isn’t enough to tempt you, it’s situated at the edge of the seashore for those who love a beach day, with body boards, surfboards, skate boards, bicycles and any other beachfront-type equipment you could think to hire. Check it out here.
My favorite, cost-effective meal to enjoy when visiting is a walk further north to Afro’s Chicken Shack at South Beach near uShaka Marine World. Chicken and tjips is the favorite, of course.
Ice-skating
Durban Ice Arena has been revamped in the last 5 years and a wonderful place to learn some new skating skills, show off childhood ones and have a laugh. R40 a skater and R10 a spectator gets you in at 81 Somtseu Road, Durban.
For opening hours and times, click here.
Umgeni River Bird Park
At 490 Riverside road, Durban North, more than 800 birds and 200 species are on display (some cages are interactive) in a former quarry site waiting to be explored. I’d highly recommend a visit.
The trainers adore the birds and the shows are excellent, not only aiming to impress but to educate the public. Open 9-5 daily, with an entrance fee of R52 an adult, R33 a child and R30 a pensioner. Show times are 11am and 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The website is here.
Find out more after a visit to the Park and let me know what you experienced. Watch out for that cheeky peacock though, he wants all the attention!
Arcades, Bowling and Kid Zones
The Fun Company Pavilion offers a variety of entertainment options, such as a 4D Theatre, laser maze, spin zone bumper cars, a sports bar, arcade games and tenpin bowling. For more information visit the website here.
Situated in the lower level of the mall near the movies. Look out for discounts, such as Half Price Tuesday Activities.
Let me know what your family is looking forward to the most!
Much love,